If you ask someone to explain who they are, you may find that they more often define themselves by what they do: mother, father, doctor, nurse, website developer, or any other ‘what’ is likely to define a person’s ‘who.’
But these terms tend to place a person in a box where they define their worth according to what they can do. Focusing on what you do can be a very fragile existence. If this ‘what’ is ever removed, then an individual is left to wonder what their place in the world is.
Their very existence comes into question!
Defining Who You Are
In the immortal words of Mr. Rogers:
“I like you just the way you are.”
These words were a comfort to many children around the world during the series Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. No matter who you were, no matter what color you skin, no matter your gender, age, or any other box you felt you were placed in, Mr. Rogers liked you. He wasn’t speaking to the future doctor you would be, or any other profession. He was referring to the human being; the life force that is connected with every other living thing. It did not matter if you were a boy who preferred to wear pink bows in your hair! You were a fellow part of creation, and you had worth because you could feel and breathe, and you shared a common home, Earth. And Mr. Rogers was right – you have worth!
Beyond a Pep Talk
No one has lived your life for you. While some experiences are out of your control, what you came away with has helped to shape who you are. Every decision you make is an expression from within. Your life experiences have not left you empty handed. We have within the ability to hear that still small voice. There’s an instinctual part of us that connects us with every living thing, and calls us back to the Earth. Our connection, when cultivated and allowed to grow, helps to guide and inspire us. You are not powerless!
Be Authentic
When you are true to yourself, you have confidence in your decisions. Life makes sense, and you are able to be flexible without worry. By being authentic, you can also appreciate the authenticity of others. You will find yourself being more forgiving of both yourself, and others. You will be less frustrated with your surroundings and will be able to create an environment of growth. Then, things out of your control, rather than seem frightening or confusing, will be just another adventure. Define who you are as a fellow human, and trust that you can find your peace from within.
“As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has–or ever will have–something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” ~Fred McFeely Rogers
Applications & Resources
- Be authentic: Let your authentic self guide you from within. Trust that you have the answer in you.
- Remember that all your experiences have helped build who you are. Be forgiving and have no regrets!
- Check out other great quotes from your childhood neighbor here.
We at iGOZEN believe that you deserve to be acknowledged for the unique and wonderful creation that you are. We want to help you find direction and peace in your life, and we believe that by celebrating your uniqueness your life will come alive. Never be afraid to be authentic. Trust in yourself and you will find the answers within you. We hope you have enjoyed our contributions of experiences, information, and articles. iGOZEN is a philosophy and way of life that revolutionizes how we see each other, and ourselves. Feel free to check out our products that complement our philosophy of living at peace with the environment.
